National Catholic Register pulls controversial interview

The National Catholic Register editor goes on to say that “we released his interview without our usual screening and oversight” and that “we have sought clarification from Father Benedict.” I called De Melo for further explanation and was sent to voice-mail. I left a message and also asked reporter John Burger for comment.

The Kettering, Ohio-based Register pulled its interview with 79-year-old Groeschel after it went viral. Andrew Sullivan wrote that “it’s a staggering insight into how the old hierarchy viewed child abuse: as essentially the child’s fault and no big deal.” Matt Abbott called Groeschel “my favorite living spiritual writer,” but said he found his comments “quite disturbing.”